Check out this month’s issue of Bicycline Magazine (it’s the November issue). South Bend and Michiana are featured in a one page article about cycling in our area. A map of one of the areas best rides is shown (Buchanan-Gendora- Baroda) along with some of the local hot spots (Fiddlers Heath and the College Football Hall of Fame). It’s interesting that they mention Bella Vita Cycling Club and the Notre Dame Cycling Club with no mention (other than posting the web address) of Michiana Bicycling Club nor the Amish Lands and Lakes. Perhaps the author is a Notre Dame alum and/or isn’t from this area at all.

The article is a complementary but superficial overview of cycling in Michiana. The article is not posted on their web site, but it is in the issue that is being sold now.

Starts and ends at Chain Reaction’s Community CycleWorks bicycle shop at 113 W Jefferson St in downtown Goshen. Prizes for best costumes and craziest bikes. Dress up yourself and your bike in whatever fashion you like or in the First Friday theme of October Fest. Donations for Chain Reaction will be accepted and appreciated, but are not necessary to participate.

Representatives of the Bike Michiana Coalition met with South Bend Mayor Steve Luecke for the first time (formally) on Sept. 22d. The goal of the hour-long meeting was threefold: to share past concerns about communication and follow-up on promised actions (e.g. bike lanes); to describe the organization and current projects of the Coalition, and to seek opportunities to collaborate on mutual goals. The Coalition recommended that Luecke appoint a City bicycle coordinator on his staff to better facilitate communication between departments and advocate for bike-projects from the “inside” of City government. Also joining the mayor were Gary Gilot (public works); Chris Dressel and Michael Divita (city planning); Tom Price (assistant to the Mayor) and Mikki Dobski (communications and special projects).

Michiana had its first “Courteous Mass” last night (9/26), and it was a lot of fun! The turnout was perfect for a trial run: not so many that it was unmanageable, but enough that it had a good group feel. All told we had nine riders, several of whom I had not previously met. Definitely a great group of folks!

We started and ended at Leeper Park and rode just shy of four miles through downtown streets; the furthest we made it from Leeper Park was the Coveleski Stadium. I’m pleased to say that we did not have any adversarial encounters with motorists (as intended for courteous mass!).

With the days getting shorter I’m not sure if we’ll be able to do this again next month, but I definitely look forward to the next installment. Stay tuned!

The Bike Michiana Coalition is planning to support a legislative initiative in 2009. The topic was kicked around in an on-line discussion group, and a 10 question on-line survey was conducted.

Results of the survey are quite interesting, and can be seen here. Thanks to all who participated.

A team is being formed to work on this legislation, and to promote it. If you have questions about joining the team, please leave a comment. If you have any interest in joining the team, contact me at PTaylor574@comcast.net.

The Tribune posted a brief announcement yesterday that road work was set to begin Monday to connect Twyckenham Drive with its relatively new northern extension (north of South Bend Ave., along the Notre Dame campus).

I’ve been particularly interested in this intersection since moving to South Bend in 2003. Back then, Twyckenham had the only striped bicycle lanes in the entire city. Yet, they didn’t really go anywhere! The lanes started at Mckinley and stopped at South Bend Ave — just short of the most obvious destination: Notre Dame. For a northbound cyclist to reach Notre Dame, she would have to leave the bicycle lane and negotiate one of the most dangerous intersections in the entire city (see map and picture below).

About a month ago, I wrote a few paragraphs musing over the possibility of a Courteous Mass in South Bend. While we haven’t worked out all the details yet, a few folks over on the Bike Michiana Google Group decided to give it a trial, experimental shot this month.

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) have set standards for bike facilities. To the best of my knowledge, these standards are being followed throughout all of the United States in creating new bike paths and lanes.

There was a public meeting at John Adams High School last night between city representatives (including Mayor Steve Luecke) and area residents about extending the Twyckenham Drive bicycle lanes in South Bend. The city would like to start striping soon, but is seeking public input before the painting begins.